05/12/2026
We now need YOUR help contacting your state senators about co-sponsoring state budget amendments 411 and 555, which would preserve access to the Wrentham and Hogan Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in MA.
The amendments were filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and Senator Becca Rausch.
Both facilities are at risk due to a declining census - jeopardizing access to critical care for people with disabilities and the jobs of essential workers
These amendments altogether will ensure families are informed of all residential options, affirm the right of eligible individuals to choose ICF care, and prevent involuntary discharges of current residents from ICFs
Timing is critical: The Senate budget debate begins next week, and legislators need to co-sponsor these amendments now. This is our last chance to advance this language for FY 27.
Find your state senator here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
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Email Template:
Dear Senator ______
My name is _______, and I am a constituent living in _____, MA. I am writing to respectfully ask you to co-sponsor budget amendments 411 and 555, which would help preserve the Wrentham and Hogan Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These facilities, which are in danger of closure, offer a high level of federally regulated care and provide more than 1,000 jobs for direct care workers, clinicians, medical personnel, and others, according to the latest data available from DDS.
The amendments, which have been filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and Senator Becca Rausch, would altogether affirm a right to care at Wrentham and Hogan for persons found to be eligible for ICF-level care, require DDS to report on its efforts to offer these settings as a choice for residential care, and protect current ICF residents from involuntary discharge.
This issue is important to me because.... [add optional personal connection]
The Wrentham Developmental Center and Hogan Regional Center are the only two remaining ICFs in Massachusetts. They are state-run, federally regulated, and Medicaid-certified. They provide specialized services for people with severe and profound intellectual and developmental disabilities, including 24/7 medical care and structured educational, vocational, and recreational programming. Access to ICF care is a federally protected right under federal Medicaid law, as affirmed in the landmark Boulet v. Cellucci U.S. District Court decision. Please see this blog post, which explains the Boulet decision and its affirmation of a federal right to ICF care. (https://cofarblog.com/2026/04/20/our-proposed-budget-amendment-asserts-a-right-to-placement-in-an-icf-in-line-with-the-landmark-federal-boulet-case/)
As the Wrentham and Hogan facilities face a declining census, opening possibilities for future closures, it is critical to preserve this level of care for those who need it most.
The loss of Wrentham and Hogan would mean the loss of essential care for individuals with the most profound disabilities and jobs for healthcare workers. Given that thousands of people are reportedly waiting for residential placements in the DDS system, individuals are already facing increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and many families are forced to take on care beyond their capacity. The closures of Wrentham and Hogan would only worsen this situation.
I respectfully urge you to co-sponsor amendments 411 and 555 to ensure individuals with the most significant needs are not left without appropriate care options.
Thank you for your consideration!
Sincerely,
_______________
